Lifting means for receptacle



Sheets-Sheet 1 T. P. TORRE ET AL LIFTING MEANS FOR RECEPTACLE June 27, 1961 Filed March 5, 1957 June 27, 1961 T. P. TORRE ET AL LIFTING MEANS FOR RECEPTACLE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 5, 1957 United States This invention appertains to lifting means for a receptacle for relatively large items such as rugs and the like. Devices embodying our invention may be constructed of corrugated fibreboard, solid breboard or any other suitable foldable material.

Recent improvements in packaging techniques employing fibreboard containers have permitted the use of these containers as receptacles for relatively large items which were heretofore packaged in other materials, for example wood, metal and the like. It has been found practical to employ containers constructed of fibreboard materials for relatively long and heavy items such as rugs, linoleum and the like. In many instances rolled rugs and carpets are formed in lengths up to 15 feet or more and are conveniently and satisfactory handled in fibreboard containers. Obviously a problem encountered with packages of such dimensions is the efficient handling during transportation.

It has been found desirable to use lifting hoists and similar devices which engageV the fibreboard container substantially midway the length thereof. One problem encountered when using customary hoisting devices was in providing satisfactory means of locating the approximate midlength of the container. Another problem was the provision of satisfactory container engaging means which would securely engage the package without mutilating or damaging the package or its contents. It became evident that the customary ice tong engaging means would be unsatisfactory when used with afibreboard container since by reason of the inherent nature of the material, the tong devices would tear and mutilate the reboard container. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide novel means for locating and designating the midlengt-h of containers of the type described and at the same time provided engaging means adapted to receive lifting and container engaging devices without damage to the container or its contents.

It is a further object of this invention to provide container engaging means which does not require extrinsic reinforcing material and which does not materially add to the cost of the container.

Another object of this invention to provide, in a cont-ainer handling means of the type described, a recess opening which permits ready engagement of the container along a substantially horizontal recessed edge, Ithereby utilizing the inherent rigidity and strength of the vertical side wall portions of the container.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a full and complete understanding of the construction and operation of this device. The invention is comprised in the parts, arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter described and claimed and the accompanying drawings form a part of this specification wherein like numerals and symbols therein appearing refer to like parts wherever they occur.

FIG. l is a plan view of a container body blank and a container cover blank embodying this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an insert and pad blank embodying this invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an erected container body blank and container cover blank shown with the cover removed from the container body;

atent O "ice FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a completed container embodying this invention;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective View of a lifting tong means adapted to be employed with this invention; Y

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lifting tong device shown in engagement with the completed container embodying t-he invention;

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a cover and container body blank embodying a modified embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. l0 is a vertical sectional view of an assembled container embodying the modified form of the invention shown in FIG. 9.

A preferred embodiment of the invention may be formed from container blanks as shown in FIG. 1, viz., a body member A and a cover member B, which are formed from similar blanks composed of solid fibreboard or corrugated breboard or similar material. A body blank 1v1 is provided with a bottom panel 12 defined by bottom end scores 13 and bottom side scores 114. The bottom side score 14 define hinged connections of body side walls 15. In a similar manner the bottom end scores 13 deline hinged connections for body end walls 16 and continuations of the bot-tom side scores 14 dene hinged connections for body end wall aps 17 which are defined along one edge by a body slot 1S.

The cover member B may be formed from the cover blank 19, shown in FIG. 1 which is preferably similar in configuration to the body blank 11. However the cover blank 19 is preferably slightly larger than the body blank 11 to permit easy telescoping of the Ierected cover over the erected body member. The cover blank is provided with a top panel 20 defined by top end scores 21 and top side scores 22. The top side scores 22 define hinged connections for top side walls 23 and the top end scores 21 define hinged connections for top end wall extensions 24. Constructions of the top side scores 22 define hinged connections for top end wall aps 25 and one edge of the top wall end flaps 25 is defined by a cover slot 26.

A U-shaped slit 27 is disposed midway the length of the top side walls and is positioned in closely spaced relation to the top side scores 22 so that the open end of the U slit 27 is directed toward the top side scores. The slit 27 defines a reinforcing tab 28. Slots 45 are positioned in the top blank side Wall panels 23 adjacent the ends.

The insert blank C and bottom pad D are shown in FIG. 2. The insert comprises three panels 42 defined by two scores 43 and the bottom pad D is enumerated l44.

The body may be `formed from the body Iblank 11 by folding the body end 4walls 16 upwardly about the bottom end scores 13 into substantial right angular relationship to the bottom panel 12. With the body end walls 16-in this position the body end wall aps 17 are then folded inwardly about the extensions of the bottom side scores 14 into substantially right angular relation to the previously positioned body end walls 16. The body side walls 15 are then folded upwardly about their adjacent bottom side scores 14 until they are in atwise, opstanding, contacting relationship with the previously positioned body end Wall iiaps 17. With the container body parts in this position, the body wall end flaps 17 are tlxedly secured to the adjacent end portions of the body side walls 15 by means of metallic stitches 29, staples or other suitable securing means. Adhesive or tape may be employed if desired. The container body A is now in condition for use.

In a similar manner the cover member B may be formed from the cover blank 19 by folding the top end walls 24 upwardly about their adjacent top end scores 21 into substantially right angular relation to the top panel 20. With the top end walls 24 in this position, the topA end wall aps 25 are then folded inwardly about the end extensions of the top side score 22 into substantially right angular relation to the previously positioned top end walls 24. The top sidewalls 23 are then folded upwardly about their adjacent top side scores 22 until they are in substantially atwise contacting relation with the previously positioned top end wall flaps 25. TheA top side walls 23 are then secured to the top end wall flaps 25 by means of stitches 29, staples or any other suitable fasteningdmeans suchl as adhesive or tape.

The reinforcing tab 28 may then be folded inwardly and upwardly into llatwise contacting relationship against the inner face of adjacent portions of the top side wall 23 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. In certain embodiments of the invention it may be desirable to provide a relatively short tab score "30, FIG. l, disposed between the free ends of the U-shaped slit 27. This relatively short tab score will facilitate the inward bending of the reinforcing tab 28. In most instances the reinforcing tab 28 will tend to remain in theupwardly disposed substantially flatwise relation against the adjacent portions of the top side walls 23, however if desired it may be permanently secured in place by means of a stitch (not shown) n adhesive or other suitable means. It will be noted, FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, that when the reinforcing tab Z8 is folded inwardly and upwardly as set forth, a relatively narrow rectangular void 31 in the top side walls is provided. It is preferred that the U-shaped slit 27 be positioned so that the void 31 formed by the inwardly folded reinforcing tab 28 is spaced from the upper margin of the top side wall 23 as defined by the top side score 22 by a distance substantially equal to the width of the void 31. Of course the position of the void 31 as `formed lby the U-slit 27 may be varied within reasonable limits from the top of the side walls as desired, but always however, substantially at the mid-length of the cover member B, or when the contents of the container is unbalanced, at substantially the lengthwise center of gravity of the package.

The contents may be loaded into the erected body member A, as shown in FIG. 3. After the contents are in place the cover member B is then telescoped downwardly over the loaded body member A and secured in place as shown in FIG. 4. Strapsl 32 may be employed, or heavy rope or twine or any other suitable means may be used to complete the container. It should be noted that in the completely loaded and assembled container the void 31 is substantially midway the length of the container, at the center of the gravity of the entire package. As shown in FIG. 5, the void 31, in the embodiment described does not extend into the body member A of the container, thus the contents are protected from moisture, dirt and other contamination during transit.

Shown in FIG. 6 is an example of a type of lifting element which may be used to engage the containers embodying the present invention. The lifting element 33 embodies a transverse member composed of a bar device 34 slidable into a tube device 35. Connected to the free ends of the bar device 34 and the tube device 35 are end plates 36 which are provided with inwardly disposed engaging webs 37. The engaging webs 37 are disposed inwardly toward each other in substantially right angular relationship to the end plates 36 a distance substantially equal to the combined thickness of the top side wall 23 and the inwardly disposed reinforcing tab 28. Flexible lifting means `38 such as chain, cable or the like is tixedly secured to the end plates 36 at 39 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. The flexible lifting means 38 may be provided with a centrally located ring device 40 or other suitable means to engage a removable lifting hook 41 connected to any suitable lifting or hoisting means (not shown). The end plates 36 and their attached bar device 34 and tube device 35 are slid outwardly away yfrom each other until the entire lifting element 33 may be dropped over the loaded container as shown in FIG. 7. The lifting device is then lowered into position so that the engaging webs -37 are in substantial horizontal alignment with the lower folded edge of the reinforcing tab Z8. The end plates 36 are then moved horizontally inwardly until their end tips are in engagement with the exposed outer surface of the body side wall Z3. The lifting hook 41 is then inserted into the ring device 40 and the container may then be lifted and transported as desired.

When the lifting device 33 is engaged onto the container, the lifting forces are transmitted exclusively from the upper edge of the engaging webs 37 to the lower margin of thevinturned reinforcing tab 28 and adjacent top side wall 2'3. There is very little if any, inward or outward thrust transmitted by the lifting element 33 to the container lifting device. It is a feature of this invention that the double thickness material provided by the inturned upwardly disposed reinforcing tab 28 and the adjacent portions of the top side wall 23 resist bending and tearing in the vertical direction and thereby permit the mechanical -handling of packages weighing up to several hundred pounds without extrinsic reinforcing and the like.

The invention has made it possible to utilize the material ordinarily used in containers in a manner heretofore not known that is, employing ibreboard or paperboard material in a manner to effectively permit mechanical lifting of extremely heavy loads. When corrugated paperboard is used, it is preferred to have the flutes of the corrugated medium extend vertically in the side walls of the cover member B to employ maximum top load strength thereof; Thus the invention utilizes the extremely high edgewise strength of the lbreboard corrugated board or similar material and also utilizes a construction which takes advantage of a large moment of inertia in the vertical direction of the material to prevent bending thereof.

As will be observed from the preceding description, the engaging void 31 is disposed midway the length of the container, or, as in the instance of unbalanced contents, atl the longitudinal center of gravity of the loaded container, whereby it is possible to engage the package at the proper point `for balanced lifting without trial or experimentation. Also, it may be desirable in certain instances to provide a plurality of voids 31 and associated reinforcing tabs 28.

As shown in the modified embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 it may be desirable to provide a similar container in which the reinforcing tabs 28Yare eliminated. The modified embodiment shown in FIG. 9 employs a similarly shaped body member A and cover member B'. The body member parts and cover member parts are similar to their counterpart components as previously described and illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Each container part shown in FIG. 9 is marked with a primed numeral to correspond with its counterpart component shown in FIG. l. The primary difference between the embodiment in FIG. 9 and that shown in FIG. l is that a modified void 3'1' is formed by means of a rectangular cut similar in size and location to the U- shaped slit 27. As shown in PIG. 10 in the cross sectional view of the completed container, the modified void 31' provides a single thickness edge margin on the top side wall 23 to engage onto the engaging webs 37 of the lifting element 33. It has been found that the modied embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 -may be employed when relatively light articles are contained by the cony tainer.

E3 bodiments in other modied form, and that all such modcations which are similar or equivalent hereto come equally within the scope of the claims next appearing.

What we claim is:

1. A heavy-duty, substantially rectangularly-shaped, long and narrow paperboard container for packaging rugs and carpeting in rolls and other similar articles even when the same weigh several hundreds of pounds, the container having at least opposed pairs of inner and outer relatively long side walls, the paperboard from which the container is fabricated being conventional and of a caliper such that if fabricated in known manner the container would lack sucient strength to enable such heavy articles as rugs, carpeting etc., to be placed therein, stored and handled, such handling with the mentioned weights requiring mechanical means to do so, each outer wall of the container having preformed lifting tong opening means therein and such openings being in substantial horizontal alignment and midway between the ends of the outer side walls in order that in handling the container is in balance, reinforcing means within the container and backing up the outer side wall thereof to maitain the outer wall in substantially a Vertical condition, reinforcing means eXteriorly of the container and disposed adjacent each of said openings and acting to prevent any substantial outward movement of the opposed outer Walls and also to prevent relative movement between a lifting tong element disposed in each opening when the container is being lifted solely by the lifting tongs and when so handled by the lifting tongs the container is maintained in a substantially horizontal condition and the container is not ruptured, and the thrust or weight of the container is directly vertical of the outer side walls of the container.

2. A heavy-duty paperboard container as defined in and by claim 1 wherein a tab is struck from the opening means and is folded against an adjacent side portion of the side wall above the opening.

3. A heavy-duty paperboard container as dened in and by claim 1 wherein the reinforcing means interiorly of the container is comprised of at least an upper panel and depending opposed side panels, which side panels are in engagement with opposed side walls and disposed in the transverse plane of the tong opening means in the outer side walls.

4. A heavy-duty paperboard container as defined in and by claim 1 wherein the reinforcing means exteriorly of the container is comprised of at least one Iband encircling the container including the opposed side walls and a portion of the band being in close adjacency with the opposed openings in the outer side wall.

5. A heavy-duty paperboard container as defined in and by claim 1 wherein the reinforcing means exteriorly of the container is comprised of at least three bands that encircle the container and two of such bands being disposed closely adjacent opposite ends of the opening and with one of the 4bands therebetween.

6. A heavy-duty paperboard container as defined in and by claim 1 wherein a tab is struck from the opening means and is folded against an adjacent side portion of the side wall above the opening, the reinforcing means interiorly of the container is comprised of at least an upper panel and depending opposed side panels, which side panels are in engagement with opposed side walls and disposed in the transverse plane of the tong opening means in the outer side walls, the reinforcing means eX- teriorly of the container is comprised of at least three bands that encircle the container and two of such bands being `disposed closely adjacent opposite ends of the opening and with one of the `bands therebetween.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS `937,805 Hilliker Oct. 26, 1909 1,892,527 Gray Dec. 27, 1932 2,366,304 Williams et al Jan. 2, 1945 2,540,595 Props Feb. 6, 1951 2,615,613 Reeser Oct. 28, 1952 2,629,499 Welshenbach Feb. 24, 1953 2,652,970 George Sept. 22, 1953 2,671,600 Leavitt Mar. 9, 1954 2,718,301 Palmer Sept. 20, 1955 2,725,171 Budd et al. Nov. 29, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 28,514 Great Britain 1913 

